STRANGERS IN PARADISE (weekly poem)

STRANGERS IN PARADISE

(Apologies to G. Forrest, R. Wright & Alexander Borodin)

The Paradise Papers reveal how the international political

& financial elite screw the patriotic poor of every country.

When Bono warbled, “Feed the world”,

He mixed-up 'dough' with 'doh';

As no way tax avoidance means,

'Pro bono publico'!

Lord Ashcroft, patriotic Lord,

And Tory philanthrope;

Shows by his nom-dom status he's,

No xenophobic dope.

The Monarchy (God bless the Huns!)

The nation's family;

Continue running their affairs,

In total secrecy.

Prince Charles is named upon the news,

Investing funds offshore;

And has an interest to change

The carbon credits law. (1)

Race driver, Lewis Hamilton,

Flies to the Isle of Man;

For business refunds on his plane,

Used solely for his clan. (2)

The Government wrings its stained hands,

In mock displays of grief;

Whilst its officials help the sharks,

Gain unpaid tax relief.

Our so-called representatives,

Collude with the elite;

To help them in their daily quest,

To rob us and to cheat.

And that's why Capitalism,

It's known as the 'Big C';

As like its namesake it spends time,

In killing for a fee.

(1) Prince Charles lobbied for the carbon credits scheme to be extended as this would benefit the firm he's invested $3.9m in.

His chum Hugh van Cutsem told them not to reveal his interest.

(2) British & EU tax laws only permit VAT refunds on planes used predominantly for business and not for personal use as in this case. Manx tax officials met Hamilton at 6:40 am.

© Richard Layton